Epic V5 and V7Owner’s manual

Contents

Product overview .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5Storage ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6Setup and adjustments ............................................................................................................................................................. 8After paddling................................................................................................................................................................................11Transportation ...............................................................................................................................................................................12Warning .............................................................................................................................................................................................14Paddler safety .................................................................................................................................................................................15Contact details ..............................................................................................................................................................................16

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Product care guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your Epic V5 or V7!

This unique surfski is constructed of durable, rotomolded Polyethylene with a foam laminate to create a stiff, light and rugged kayak. With proper care, the hull will maintain its shape for many years of enjoyable use. For your convenience, we have put together the following care tips. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.

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Product overview

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1. Smart Track Kick Up rudder (optional)2. Ergonomic Handle3. Standard Surfski Rudder4. Rudder Hatch5. Storage Compartment Hatch6. On Deck Storage with bungee cord

fastening7. Side Handles8. Water Bottle holder9. Leg Leash attachment point10. Bailer11. Foot brace with steering pedals12. Rudder line adjuster13. Forward cockpit storage with

bungee cord fastening14. Breathable drain plug15. Rudder line16. Spreader bar for steering control17. Rudder line feeder

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Storage

Do NOT store hanging on its handles.

Use 5 cm (2 inches) wide straps to hang your Epic surfski. Place the straps at approximatelly 1/3 boat length from each side.

Store your Epic V5/V7on a separate padded rack for each surfski. Stacking the surfskis on top of each other may deform their shapes.

Do NOT leave your Epic under direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.

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Storing the new Epic V5 or V7 correctly is the first step to make sure your Surfski is well maintained and always in a good shape when you decide you want to enjoy some time on water. Your storage space may be slightly different to someone else but you should aim to adapt it according to the following basic principles:

• Never hang the V5 or V7 from the bow and stern handles. The sturdy handles are designed for carrying the kayak, but not for hanging the boat for extended periods.

• When storing your V5 or V7, it is best to support it with padded bars or racks, resting upside down. The V5 or V7 can also be stored on its side resting on a padded surface.

• If you choose to hang your V5 or V7 from a ceiling, use straps rather than rope to spread the load over a greater area, and hang it upside down with the straps approximately 1/3 distance from each end.

• Prolonged sun exposure can shorten the life of any Polyethylene kayak. The material utilizes ultraviolet stabilizers, but for the longest life, we recommend you keep the kayak inside or in the shade when not in use.

• If stored outside, check your V5 or V7 occasionally to assure the aft hatch is dry and free of dirt and mold.• Always remember to tie your kayak down securely so that it does not get knocked off of the rack.

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Setup and adjustments

Ready to go for a paddle? Take a little time to inspect and setup your Surfski before you take a trip to the selected paddling site. It is much easier to deal with unexpected issues in the comfort of your home rather than on the beach or even worse in the water. Follow these steps before you go:

• Inspect the entire length of your Surfski for damage or unusual deformation. Start from one end and work your way to the other one. Inspect the hull, deck, steering mechanism, rudder lines, bailer. All moving parts should work smoothly and be easy to operate and the rudder line should not have any chafing or damage. If you discover any damaged parts, replace the part before you go on water.

• To install the hatch cover** correctly, see images included with this Care Guide, and view online videos on Epickayaks.com. Test the installation by trying to remove the cover without loosening the fastener. When pressing down on the center of the cover, it should not come off! Inspect the hatch cover before launching to be sure it is properly attached and tightened.

• **First generation V5 & V7's were outfitted with a soft hatch & optional hard hatch cover. 2nd generation V5 & V7's are outfitted with a rubber hatch.

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• Properly tightened, the hatch cover is seaworthy and reliable. The cover must be secured to the rear deck lines so that it will not be lost. Should the cover come off during open water paddling, the rear hatch is exposed to swamping! Stop and reattach the cover immediately. Consider the use of a stern flotation bag in the rear hatch for added safety if attempting open water voyages in the V5 or V7.

• Inspect the rudder lines and steering mechanism for wear and tear. Replace the rudder lines if you identify chaffing. Epic uses static Spectra cord for rudder lines. Contact your nearest Epic dealer or Epic Kayaks for replacement line.

• Attach a leg leash to the leash anchor point (Leg leash has to be purchased separately)

1. Secure the rope loop around the hatch opening. 2. Put on the hatch working with two hands simultaniously on both sides. 3. Tighten up the rope lock by pulling the rope with one hand and holding the plastic lock with the other. Pull one side of the rope at a time

alternating sides untill the hatch is locked in place. 4. Without loosening the plastic lock, try to remove the hatch by pulling the sides with both hands. 5. Press firmly the hatch in the middle to check if it is going to come off. 6. If the hatch is attched securely, go ahead and tie it to the bungee cords on deck or use a plastic clip to clip it on.

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• Adjust the length of the foot brace

Pull the line behind the foot rest to release lock pins from the rail.

Adjust the length for proper fit by sliding the foot rest forward or back.

Open the bailer to drain any water out of the cockpit. Use your hand or one of your heels to push the lever back toward your body to “open” position. NOTE: Water will drain out only while the V5 or V7 is moving forward. If you are not moving or if you are moving in reverse, the water will go inside the cockpit. openclose

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Rinse your Epic surfski with fresh water after each use.

After paddling

• A quick rinse with fresh water is recommended after every paddle to protect from salt and silt. They willnot harm the hull and deck, but can keep moving parts from operating smoothly over time. Always rinsethe moving parts (foot pedals, rudder, etc) and the aft hatch to keep it clean.

• Avoid storing for long periods with any water inside the hull. Always drain any water, and if needed use asponge to dry the aft hatch. Before replacing hatch cover, dry the hatch properly.

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Do NOT transport nor store your Epic in upright position on hard surfaces.

Transport your Epic upside down on flat bar padded roof racks.

Transportation

• Always use padded crossbars, and transport your V5 or V7 upside down to protect the integrity ofthe hull.

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Correct way of transporting Epic V5 or V7 on a padded roof rack with or without supporting cradles.

• Vertical bars called “stackers” or “J-cradles” allow a kayak to be carried on its side, and the V7 can betransported this way with appropriate padding. Only transport the boat right side up if you have paddedcradles that conform to the hull shape.

• Be cautious of using ratcheting straps, as they are easy to over tighten. Over tightening or strapping directlyto an unpadded rack can damage the kayak. If a dent occurs from improper storage or transport, contactEpic Kayaks for tips on removing the dent. (Placing the V5 or V7 in direct sun will often return it to itsoriginal shape.)

• The V5 or V7 can be secured to the rack with a lock and cable run through either the side handles or endhandles.

• The failure of a single tie-down could cause the kayak to come loose; please consider using bow and sternlines attached to the front and rear of your vehicle for added security.

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Warning

• The durability of a Polyethylene kayak allows it to be paddled in areas where composites boats cannot.Repeated abrasions and impacts can cause material fatigue. In very low temperatures, resistance to impactmay be reduced. Dragging the boat to and from the water, beach launching or “seal launching” off rocks willabrade the hull, ultimately shortening your kayak’s life and performance.

• PLEASE REMEMBER THAT DAMAGE TO YOUR CRAFT THROUGH WEAR AND TEAR IS NOT COVERED UNDERWARRANTY.

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Paddler safety

• Always use a leash tethered to the anchor point in the V5 or V7 cockpit. Use a leg leash for open waterpaddling. Remove the leash when entering or exiting the surf zone. A paddle leash is best for surf zone use.Epic leashes are available from authorized Epic dealers, or online at Epickayaks.com.

• Know how to remount the V5 or V7 in the conditions that you intend to paddle in! Practice the surfskiremount technique regularly, and be sure you can do it quickly, and confidently. Refer to online videosdemonstrating the remount on Epickayaks.com. Always wear an approved Personal Flotation Device, andappropriate insulating layers for the water temperature. Carry an emergency communication device such asa cell phone in a waterproof pouch, or a handheld marine radio. Never paddle alone!

Contact detailsepickayaks.com645 Marina Drive, Charleston, SC 29492 USAinfo@epickayaks.com, +1 843 884 4601